2021 Aprilia RSV4 Factory Review

Aprilia asserts dominance in the liter-and-above-sized superbike segment with its updated 2021 RSV4 ($18,999) and RSV4 Factory ($25,999). The RSV gets fresh body panels, ergonomic improvements, and a larger, more powerful 65-degree V-4 engine. The changes are made not only to better align with its growing sportbike family (learn more in the 2021 Aprilia RS 660 First Ride Review and 2021 Aprilia RS 660 MC Commute Review), but to deliver a faster and more capable superbike experience.

Editor’s note: Read the 2021 Aprilia RSV4 MC Commute Review to learn what the base model is like to ride. Also review the 2021 Aprilia RSV4 First Look Preview article to learn about the technical improvements of the ’21 RSV.

In lieu of radical platform updates, engineers prefer to hone the RSV4 the old-fashioned way. Methodical improvements and careful evolutionary changes, born from its racing effort, are the name of the game. In looking at today’s RSV, its signature silhouette and engine character remain, however there are some subtle differences.

A broader front fairing punches a larger hole in the air. Along with the reshaped 4.7-gallon fuel tank, that makes for a comfortable tucked position. The ram-air intakes have increased air pressure at speed, and street riders will appreciate that the RSV finally gains LED lighting. The taillight has an emergency feature that flashes rapidly when the vehicle is decelerating quickly. This helps alert drivers behind you.

Historically, the RSV4 has always been oriented toward shorter riders. But the cockpit has been opened with a lower seat and foot controls. This makes for a more comfortable workspace, especially for taller folks.

Last year’s RSV4 certainly wasn’t lacking in terms of engine acceleration. However, this longer-stroke 1,099cc V-4 delivers the torque of a six-cylinder motorcycle—allowing it to pull off medium-speed corners with a level of voracity we’ve never felt on a sportbike. A lighter, yet more rigid swingarm does an incredible job of putting power to the pavement facilitating excellent drive grip off turns with the OE-fitted Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa V3 rubber.

Short-shift into a higher gear or rev it out in a lower cog, and the RSV4 responds with a vicious but surprisingly usable spread of power to the tune of 190 hp at the back tire. The sound and overall engine character are equally as tantalizing. The RSV’s powertrain could be the total package in today’s superbike segment.

With its lighter forged alloy rims, the 439-pound RSV4 Factory (6 pounds less than the standard model), offers a high level of agility, especially in quick side-to-side transitions. Some of the credit goes to the shorter lower fairing, says Aprilia. Tri-plane line winglets add downforce, increasing front tire grip at speed.

The semi-active suspension from Öhlins helps take the guesswork out of suspension setup and offers two suspension maps for street use, and three maps for track riding. There is also a manual suspension mode so you can dial in damping to your liking. The Öhlins suspension performed well, but it wasn’t substantially better than the base model’s manual suspenders at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca.

A larger 5-inch color TFT display keeps tabs on vehicle settings and offers a much improved user interface. Menu navigation is more slick and the switch gear is easy to use with above average tactile fuel with gloves. We also appreciate the paddle-style finger triggers that allow you to adjust traction control on the fly. Electronic cruise control is another welcome feature for road riding.

Although the ’21 RSV4 doesn’t appear—nor feel—radically different from its predecessor, the improvements engineers made net a vehicle that is not only faster, but easier to ride. So much so that the competition will have a difficult time matching its lofty levels of performance and overall rideability. Factor in a competitive price, especially in base trim, and there are plenty of reasons why you need a fresh RSV4 parked in the garage if going fast is your thing.

Helmet: Shoei X-Fourteen

Custom Helmet Paint: Tagger Designs

Suit: Alpinestars Race Replica V3 with Tech-Air Race Vest

Glove: Alpinestars GP Plus R V2

Boots: Alpinestars Supertech R